How Sports Thrive: The Use of Mechanical Engineering Sports

(Image Credit: Ice Hockey Research Group/McGill)

(Image Credit: Nature)

(Image Credit: Womanthology)

April 4, 2025

Amber Amin

10th Grade

Thomas A. Edison CTE High School


Sports are something that everyone has tried a few times before in their life. It’s prominent in society, with vast amounts of different sports spread around the globe. Though, as it is, there’s a clear reason why such physical activities are as safe as they currently are. The answer to that would be none other than the use of mechanical engineering, a diverse field of engineering that incorporates analytical thinking and thorough approaches to different problems waiting to be solved.

However, the question may be raised as to what mechanical engineering is in the first place and how it functions. To start, it is a matter of the variety mechanical engineering has to create a whole range of complex systems that assist society’s needs. Whether it be designing prosthetics, car engines, as well as other sustainable innovations, these engineers tackle different problems with a mindset towards helping to make a beneficial product for the world. The involvement of mechanical engineering has been an enormous factor in the advancement society has made in regard to aiding people. Developing solutions is a core component of mechanical engineering, which leads to the next talking point: how it specifically assists sports and its equipment.

It is not widely known, however, because of mechanical engineering; it’s one of the main reasons why sportswear and equipment can be as effective as they are. This is shown by developing equipment to be safe, and also maximizes efficiency so athletes can give their best performance. Starting off with safety and how mechanical components are put together to ensure the utmost protection of the athlete wearing the equipment.

An example would be the intricate design of a helmet to help reduce the impact of any harmful blows to the head. This may sound simple, but there’s a lot of thought that goes into how something so simple as a helmet can be properly constructed to assist in someone’s safety. This is with specific foams, which are lightweight and effective so that one wouldn’t even feel a noticeable change in their helmet. A larger-scale example of mechanical engineering could bring the development of entire stadiums as well, with elaborate exit routes and structures. It is well-researched and put together on what place falls where to make sure the area can give both enjoyment and safety.

Furthermore, critical thinking and problem solving are fundamental to making a well thought out innovation. Carefully looking at every single detail and aspect of a problem is crucial for creating a solution that holds as much importance. It is essential to recognize the contributions that these engineers give to the world. As it may not be evident, everyday life, even something like sports, is influenced by the help of engineers. The next time you buy a helmet or even a simple tennis racket, acknowledge that there’s a chance a whole array of engineers came together to design that product, tailored just for your safety and usage.

Reference Sources

“Mechanical Engineering Careers in the Sports Industry.” Discover Engineering, 5 Feb. 2024, 

www.discoverengineering.org/mechanical-engineering-careers-in-the-sports-industry/

Sampath, Santhosh. “Diving into the Thrills: Mechanical Engineers Shaping the Game in Sports.” Medium, 3 Feb. 2024,

medium.com/@contactsanthoshsandy/diving-into-the-thrills-mechanical-engineers-shaping-the-game-in-sports-683142183633.  Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

University of Washington. “What Is Mechanical Engineering? | Mechanical Engineering.” Washington.edu, 2019,

www.me.washington.edu/about/whatisme

“What Is Mechanical Engineering? | Michigan Technological University.” Michigan Technological University, 2017,

www.mtu.edu/mechanical-aerospace/mechanical-engineering/